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Identity kept hidden under a mask, tonight there was no hierarchy. An annual ball held for the people of the nation to enjoy the night. A dashing gentleman might turn out to be your normal boy next door, an elegant lady in a majestic dress might turn out to be a commoner. A mask to conceal one’s identity, for all to be treated as equals just for a night.
Letting his long red hair down, a simple mask over his eyes. Simple, yet refined. He wore a tailor-made black tuxedo which fitted him perfectly, with just the right amount of details to show his elegance. Regardless of where he went, there ought to be someone who recognised him. He was the face of the nation, the heir to the throne, the prince who would one day rule this country. Perhaps not tying his hair up in his normal ponytail, and putting on a mask, would allow him to enjoy the night as a normal citizen of the country for once.
“Father, I’m ready,” he said as he slipped on his black gloves, joining the older man in the carriage. He did not have a partner that night, well, he never ever has a partner regardless. He simply showed no interest in all the potential dates his father has brought home to meet him. Royal dances at the castle were strictly professional to him, despite countless princesses from other nations who have been captivated by the man. He just couldn’t find it in himself to return their affections, he just didn’t feel anything for them regardless of how hard he tried.
As they made their way to the ball, a man dressed in a sophisticated suit entered the ball. A man of charisma, his dashing smile stole the hearts of many despite having a mask on. He donned a white princely suit and a stylish pair of gloves, the blue epaulets on his shoulders matched his hair. Girls fawned over him as he took turns dancing with them, sipping glasses of wine in between. He whispered sweet nothings into their ears as they danced, yet he was slowly getting bored as the night passed. He knew once this night was over, he’ll go back to being a normal commoner in the city, these girls would not care one bit about him anymore.
The father and son reached the ball, taking graceful steps up the stairs which led to the ballroom. Candles set along the walls as people gathered together to drink and dance, it was impossible to make out the individual identities of the people in the room. The father and son split ways to mingle around, the latter deciding to keep to himself in a quiet corner of the room.
As he observed the people mingling with one another, it reminded him of his goals. How nice it’d be for every day to be like this, where social status did not play a part in who we interacted with, for everyone to be treated as equals. Maybe someday, he’ll make it happen. He had to, it was his goal for the future of the nation.
“Would you like some wine, sir?” a voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
“No thank you, I don’t take alcohol,” the prince replied. Why is this man talking to me, has he figured out who I am, or is he just looking for someone to talk to? Wasn’t he with a group of girls just a few moments ago?
“A non-drinker in this city? Rare.” the blue-haired man laughed. “Would you do me the honors of granting me a dance then?”
A ballroom dance with a man? This is the first time a man has asked him to dance with him. He was confused but agreed since he did not have any excuse, for he was standing alone in a crowded room with nothing to do.
Hands on shoulder and waist, they danced to the music. It felt almost natural to them, the way their bodies moved in sync with every step and turn they took. One foot forward, one foot back, he twirled his red-haired partner around. The young prince’s heart skipped a beat, he has never felt this way before. He was mesmerised by how well his partner danced, the way their bodies communicated, the unspoken chemistry they had with each other. For some reason, it felt right to be dancing with him, as if he was an old dance partner whom he has never met.
They danced through the ballroom, forgetting the people around them. With each touch came more yearning, the gap between them got smaller with each dance, their bodies finally touching. The attraction between the two men was undeniable, they were so fitting that it was hard to believe that they’ve just met.
“Are you charmed by me yet?” the man in white teased, smirking under his mask. He hasn’t danced so well with someone before, let alone a man who he has just met. For some reason, he wanted to know him better. It wasn’t just the way his red hair flowed when he twirled around, or the way he had refined steps when he moved. Something about him was so fascinating, so captivating.
“Hmmm, no, not really,” his partner replied, smiling under his mask. What a lie, he knew that he was completely charmed by him. For once in his life, he truly enjoyed a dance. Enjoyed was an understatement, he loved every moment of it.
It was nearly midnight when people started to leave the ball. They dreaded this moment, where they would have to part ways. They would return to their normal lives and might not ever meet again.
But they didn’t want that. How could they leave things like this? The attraction between them was so strong, so undeniable.
“Before you go, may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?” He bends down and leaves a kiss on his partner’s hand. For once he was nervous, this was nothing like asking random girls out on dates.
“Diluc, Diluc Ragnvindr.”
“Diluc Ragnvindr? As in THE Prince Ragnvindr?”
“Yes, and you?”
“Kaeya, Kaeya Alberich.”
“It was a pleasure this evening, may we soon meet again.”
The prince walked off with his father, leaving his partner in a daze and in awe. However, at the same time, would a relationship between a prince and a commoner ever work out? Was this just going to become a fairytale that both of them could only dream of?
But for now, both Diluc and Kaeya were satisfied with what they had that night.